Bystander Intervention programs aim to empower individuals to confidently intervene in an incident in order to stop it. Individuals learn how to prevent and de-escalate situations. Engaging the broader community, raising awareness of sexual violence in addition to changing the social norms are some of the outcomes of bystander intervention training (Straatman, Anna-Lee).
HELPFUL BEHAVIOURS FOR BYSTANDER INTERVENTION
BEFORE (risky behaviours that could escalate to something more serious)
- Walk a friend home from a party who has had too much to drink.
- Make sure I leave a party with the same people I came with.
- Ask for verbal consent with my partner.
- Stop when my partner says stop.
- Try to get help to intervene if I saw several strangers dragging an individual upstairs to their room.
- Warn a stranger if I saw someone spike their drink.
DURING (an incident involving some kind of violence)
- I confront a friend if I see them grabbing, pushing, and insulting their partner.
- I get help from others: friends or professionals, to intervene if I saw a friend grab, push, or insult their partner.
- If I hear what sounds like yelling and fighting through my residence walls, I go get a Residence Assistant (RA) or someone else for help.
- Call 911 if I hear someone yelling, fighting, or calling for help.
- If someone is being shoved or yelled at, I ask them if they need help.
AFTER (being an ally)
- Call a Residence Assistant (RA) or a counselor if a friend told me they were sexually assaulted.
- Let a friend know that I am available for support and help if I suspected they were sexually assaulted.
- Share information about sexual assault and violence with my friends.
- If I hear an acquaintance talking about forcing someone to have sex, I speak up against it and express concern for the person who was forced.
- Call 911 if a stranger needs help.